Battle of Bedriacum

In the Year of the four emperors (69 C.E.), Marcus Salvius Otho, with the support and aid of the Praetorian Guard, had his predecessor Galba murdered in January and claimed the throne for himself. However, legate Aulus Vitellius, governor of the province of Germania Inferior, had also claimed the throne earlier in the month and marched on Rome with his troops. Otho marched north to meet him, but in April was defeated at the First Battle Of Bedriacum (near Cremona). Otho committed suicide and Vitellius continued his march on Rome, where he was recognized as emperor by the Senate.

Related Topics:
Year of the four emperors - 69 - Marcus Salvius Otho - Praetorian Guard - Galba - Aulus Vitellius - Germania Inferior - Cremona

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Meanwhile legate Antonius Primus of Pannonia, along with the legates of Egypt and Syria, nominated Vespasian as emperor. Antonius invaded Italy, and defeated Vitellius at the Second Battle Of Bedriacum in October (destroying much of that city in the process). Vitellius withdrew to Rome where he was slain in street fighting in December. The way was thus cleared for Vespasian to ascend the throne near the end of this bloody year of crisis.

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References:

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• The Encyclopedia Of Military History: From 3500 B.C. To The Present. (2nd Revised Edition 1986), R. Ernest Dupuy, and Trevor N. Dupuy.

PP. 127-128

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